For almost four decades, students at Pennsylvania State University have given their time to raise millions of dollars for children with cancer.
On Friday, students at Penn State gathered at the school’s Bryce Jordan Centre to begin the 37th annual IFC/Panehellenic Dance Marathon – more commonly known as THON – a 46-hour dance marathon which raises money for pediatric cancer research organization the Four Diamonds Fund.
Participants in THON are not allowed to sit or sleep for the almost two-day event, which ends Sunday February 21, at 4 p.m.
In 2009 THON raised $7.49 million for the fund, meaning the dance marathon has raised more than $61 million since 1973 – making the annual fundraising event the largest student-run philanthropic effort in the world.
This year’s effort will consist of more than 700 dancers, 300 organizations and 15,000 student volunteers who will give their time and effort for the event. THON Chair Caitlin Zankowski said that while the event lasts 46 hours, much more time goes into making the event a success each year.
"I couldn’t even tell you how many man hours that goes into making this weekend possible," Zankowski told WJAC-TV. "There are hundreds, if not thousands of students that have been working year round to make this possible."
While THON is often recognized for its philanthropy, Penn State might be best known for its athletic achievements. But this event is not lost on Penn State athletes who are actively participating in this year’s event.